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Found 23 results

  1. NOTE: For an overview of the entire K-1 Fiance Visa process, please see the K-1 Fiance Visa Flowchart. What is a K-1 Fiance Visa? A K-1 Visa (also known as a Fiance Visa) is a nonimmigrant visa Visa issued to the fiancé(e) of a United States citizen. The K-1 Visa allows the visa holder to enter the United States for up to 90 days during which time they may get married and file for Adjustment of Status (to obtain a "green card" and become a Legal Permanent Resident of the US). After filing for Adjustment of Status they may reside in the US beyond the 90 day K-1 Visa validity while their Adjustment of Status application is processed. While the K-1 Visa is legally classified as a non-immigrant visa, it usually leads to important immigration benefits and is therefore often processed by the Immigrant Visa section of United States Embassies and Consulates worldwide. If the non US Citizen fiancé(e) has a child (under 21 and unmarried), a K-2 non-immigrant visa may be available to him or her. Be sure to include the names of the children on the I-129F petition. Who is Eligible to File? U.S. citizens who will be getting married to a foreign national in the United States may petition for a fiancé(e) classification (K-1) for their fiancé(e). You and your fiancé(e) must be free to marry. This means that both of you are unmarried, or that any previous marriages have ended through divorce, annulment or death. You must also have met with your fiancé(e) in person within the last two years prior beginning the K-1 Visa petition process (filing the I-129F). This requirement can be waived only if meeting the non US Citizen's fiancé(e) in person would violate long-established customs, or if it would create extreme hardship on the US Citizen. Forms Needed to File for a K-1 Fiance Visa: 1. I-129F 2. G-1145 (optional) The above forms can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date them as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can handwrite (very neatly) in black ink in the blank instead. You should always verify the current forms at www.uscis.gov. Assembling the I-129F Package: Checklist Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.): 1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted. Read the Guide to Paying USCIS Immigration Fees. 2. Cover Letter (see example). Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-129F), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet. 3. Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiance (see example) 4. Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example) 5. Proof of having met in past two years. To organize this information you can create a single typed page with the following elements: (1) Title the page 'Evidence of In-Person Meeting in the last 2 years'; (2) A description of how you met (same as you stated in Part 2 Question 53-54 of your I-129F); (3) A list of the evidence you are providing; (4) Your printed name, signature and date. Following this declaration page, provide the evidence you listed (click here for examples). 6. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name of the US citizen on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Insert US Citizen's Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-129F. 7. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign fiance. Write the full name of the foreign fiance on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert foreign fiance name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-129F. 8. Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport issued with a validity of at least 5 years or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship. 9. Copy of final Divorce Decree(s) or Certificate(s) for the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance if either has been previously married. If the previous marriage of the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance ended due to the death of their spouse then include a Copy of Death Certificate(s) documenting that fact. 10. Proof of Legal Name Change if either the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance is using a name other than that shown on the relevant documents. You must give USCIS copies of the legal documents that made the change, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree or court order. 11. In regards to Part 3 of the I-129F, if applicable provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for any specified conviction(s) (in accordance with the IMBRA). See Part 3 of the I-129F instructions for more information. Documentary Proof of Having Met in Person in the Past Two Years and an Ongoing Relationship: Use as many of these items are possible. There is no minimum, but the more you can provide the less likely you are that you will receive an RFE. Additionally, please note that providing proof of your ongoing and genuine relationship in this package may benefit you by allowing the consulate to have access to this information prior to them formally contacting the non US Citizen fiance. Many high risk consulates approach cases with a skeptical eye and providing this information early on in the original I-129F package will help them in their preliminary review of your case. 1. Copies of all airline boarding passes, train passes, itineraries, hotel receipts, passport stamps (make sure you can read the dates on the stamps), and other documentary evidence that you have met within the last two years. You may want to highlight or place post-it notes indicating the dates and locations on the copies (to make the adjudication easier) for the person reviewing your file. 2. Color Photo's of you and your fiance together. Make sure you write your names, date, and location on the back of every photo. Provide two to five photo's. If you only have a single copy of the photo, then make a color copy and send that. If it is a digital photo, have it printed at a local photo store such as Walgreens (if at all possible) or if not on a high quality printer. Place photo's in a plastic bag or photo sheet and label the sheet. Note that you may not receive originals of photo's back. 3. The following items will not typically show proof of having met in the last two years however will show proof of an ongoing relationship: Copies of land line and cell phone bills, appropriate letters and emails, stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!) Mail the I-129F Package to the USCIS You should mail the completed form(s) to the USCIS address here. Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS. IMPORTANT! Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence. Create a VJ Timeline Estimate processing time and approval date: Creating a VJ Timeline will allow you to track your case and will generate an estimated approval date for your petition. You can always gain access to many other tools to help you plan how long your Visa Journey will take! What to send to your fiance once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2): 1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one). Your fiance should review this information in advance of the interview (the embassy will have copies of this as well). 2. Send copies of the documentary proof that you submitted with the I-129F for your fiance to have on hand for their interview at the embassy. Your fiance should review this information in advance of the interview (the embassy will have copies of this as well). 3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F). 4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is signed, with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all. 5. You will need several items (for the above form). Gather duplicate evidence of income and resources as appropriate: (A) Statement from an officer of the bank/financial institution with your deposits, identifying the following: 1. date account opened; 2. total amount deposited for the past year; 3. present balance (B) Statement(s) from your employer on business stationary showing: 1. Date and nature of employment; 2. salary paid; 3. whether position is temporary or permanent (also include copies of your last two pay stubs and your previous W-2 for the associated employer if available) (C) If Self Employed: 1. Copy of last income tax return filed (or IRS transcripts); or 2. report of commercial rating concern (D) List containing serial numbers and denominations of bonds and name of record owner(s). Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. See this FAQ for more tips and useful information on the Affidavit of Support Form. 6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail. (backup information; the embassy will have copies of this as well) 7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, online chat logs (pick several over the prior few months), etc.. from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 until date-now). Examples: Copies of land line and cell phone bills, appropriate emails and letters you have sent including the stamps on envelopes (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!) NOTE: Tip Regarding Vaccination Records The K-1/2 beneficiary will be required by the embassy to have a "medical" done prior to the visa interview. Part of this interview will require that previous vaccinations are documented and potentially additional required vaccinations performed. Once this is complete the doctor will note this on a DS-3025 form that will be sent to the embassy. During the medical appointment request an official copy of the vaccination records from the physician (or a copy of the completed DS-3025 if they will give it to you) as this will be helpful to have on hand in the future (specifically it can be helpful when filing for Adjustment of Status if your DS-3025 form is not available). After the K-1 Fiance Visa is Approved: Upon entering the US on a K-1 Visa, the visa holder must get married to the original I-129F sponsor (for the K-1 Visa) within 90 days. If the marriage does not take place within 90 days or the K-1 Visa holder marries someone other than the original US Citizen who petitioned for them, the K-1 Visa holder will be required to leave the United States. Until the marriage takes place, the K-1 visa holder is considered a non-immigrant. A non-immigrant is a foreign national seeking to temporarily enter the United States for a specific purpose. A K-1 Visa holder can not obtain an extension of the 90-day time limit. If the K-1 Visa holder intends to live and work permanently in the United States they should apply to become a permanent resident after the marriage. Please note, K-1 Visa holder will receive a "green card" and conditional permanent residence status for two years. Conditional permanent residency is granted when the marriage is less than two years old at the time the Adjustment of Status application is processed. Note: A K-1 Visa holder can enter the United States only one time with this visa. Upon entry, the K-1 visa is cancelled, and an Electronic I-94 is issued upon entry and becomes the controlling document. If the K-1 entrant leaves the U.S. before marriage to the original petitioner, re-entry into the U.S. might not be allowed without a new visa. Also, if the K-1 entrant has applied for and is waiting on approval of an Adjustment of Status petition, the K-1 entrant should not leave the U.S. without also having applied for and received approved Advance Parole -- doing so could result in the inability to re-enter the U.S., and it indicates abandonment of the petition for Adjustment of Status. (Note that even approved Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry into the U.S.)
  2. After the change of systems in July 2023. Mumbai embassy is not responding to inquiries within specified time and not sending packet 4 instructions even a month after the case has been Ready at ceac website.
  3. Each year tens of thousands of visas are issued to a spouse or fiance of an American Citizen so that they may move to the US and be with their loved ones. For a non US Citizen Fiancé(e) the most common way of bringing them to the US is a K-1 (fiance) Visa. For a non-US Citizen spouse there are several common ways to bring them to the US, each with their own Pro's and Con's. Listed below are the common ways to bring a non-US Citizen Fiancé(e) or spouse to the US as well as a few Pro's and Con's for each option. Marriage Based Visa Comparison Table Visa Type K-1 K-3 IR-1 / CR-1 DCF Marital Status Engaged Married Married Married Time for Visa (Months) 13.5 16 18.5 3 Requires AOS Yes Yes No No Requires EAD Yes Yes No No Req. Travel Doc Yes No No No Time to Greencard (Months) 22.5 20.5 18.5 3 Total Cost $1650 $1705 $903 $945 Extra Notes Must be married within 90 days of entry. AOS must be filed in order to gain Legal Permanent Resident status. Failure to file AOS before I-94 expires accrues out-of-status days. After entering the US, may file for AOS within two years or instead wait for I-130 to be approved and pursue IR-1 / CR-1 Visa. Visa holder automatically becomes a Legal Permanent Resident after entering the US. Can work and travel freely. US consulates typically only do this for US citizens who live overseas. DCF results in a IR-1 / CR-1 Visa. Fiancé(e) Visa (K1) In General A K-1 Visa allows a Non-US Citizen Fiancé(e) to a US Citizen to legally enter the US and Adjust Status to become a Legal Permanent Resident. The process of obtaining a K-1 Visa starts by the U.S. citizen filing a form "I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)" with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). The USCIS is responsible for processing this petition and if approved will forward (via the National Visa Center) the petition to the consulate serving the location of the Non-US Citizen Fiancé(e). Upon receiving the approved I-129F petition, the US Consulate will contact the Non-US Citizen Fiancé(e) and request certain information be gathered and provided to the US Consulate. Additionally there will be an actual "visa interview" in person (at the consulate) for the K-1 Visa. If the embassy approves the K-1 Visa, they will issue the visa typically within two to three days after the interview. Once the Non-US Citizen Fiancé(e) receives the K-1 Visa they may enter the US any time within six months of the visa being issued. Arriving in the US it is important to note that they must get married to the US Citizen who petitioned their K-1 Visa within 90 days and file for Adjustment of Status (AOS) to become a Legal Permanent Resident. If they fail to do this within 90 days of entry into the US they may accrue unlawful status inside the US as defined by the USCIS. This may potentially affect future immigration benefits they file for. You may view the K-1 current and historical processing time trends to get a better idea of the time the process may take at various stages. Unless an engaged couple decides to get married, this is their main visa option. If they decide to get married they will need to file for a K-3 or IR-1 / CR-1 Visa instead. Pluses "Relatively" fast process. As fast or quicker than K-3 and/or IR1 / CR-1 Visas (which are only available to married couples). Once in the US and married, the K-1 Visa Holder may obtain a social security card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and seek employment legally within the US. As a note, typically an EAD is applied for at the same time as the K-1 Visa Holder files for AOS (after marriage). Generally an EAD is issued within 90 days of the application being received. The K-1 Visa allows time for an engaged couple to be together in the US before marriage since the visa is good for 90 days. The Non-US Citizen Fiancé(e) must marry the US Citizen and apply for AOS to remain in the US. If they do not marry there are no other methods to remain in the US and they must return home. Minuses The K-1 Visa Holder will need to apply for Advance Parole (AP) if they wish to travel outside of the US while their AOS application is being processed and not yet approved. Leaving without an approved (and in hand) AP will result in abandoning the pending AOS application and require filing for a new visa (either K-3 or IR-1/CR-1) to re-enter the US. In nearly all cases, if the marriage fails prior to the K-1 Visa Holder's AOS application being approved there are no other options for legally remaining inside the United States; the K-1 Visa Holder will be required to leave the US. A K-1 Visa Holder only has "valid status" for 90 days after they enter the US (and must be married and apply for AOS by that time to not accrue "unlawful status". This 90 day window may not be extended. Only U.S. citizens can file for a fiance visa. Spousal Visa (K3) In General A K-3 Visa allows a Non-US Citizen (spouse) married to a US Citizen to legally enter the US and adjust status to become a Legal Permanent Resident. If a couple wishes to pursue this visa they must be legally married (or get married before starting the process). The couple may have previously been married either outside or within the US (the location does not matter as long as the marriage was officially recognized in the location in which it occurred). The process of obtaining a K-3 Visa starts by the U.S. citizen filing a form "I-130: Petition for Alien Relative" with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). This form is also filed to petition for an IR1 / CR1 Visa (see next section). What makes the K-3 Visa special is that instead of waiting for the I-130 to be approved, the US Citizen may, upon receipt of the I-130 being accepted by the USCIS, file an I-129F petition with the USCIS indicating the desire to obtain a K-3 Visa. This option has the benefit that the I-129F for a K-3 Visa will often be processed faster than the "underlying" I-130. This means that the time waiting for the Non-US Citizen Spouse to enter the US may be less. The USCIS is responsible for processing the I-129F and if approved will forward (via the National Visa Center) the petition to the consulate serving the location of the Non-US Citizen Spouse. The remainder of the process at the embassy is similar to the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa process. After the K-3 Visa is approved byt he US Consulate, the Non-US Citizen Spouse can enter the US with their status as a "K-3 Visa Holder" valid for two years. They may freely travel in and out of the US as the K-3 Visa is a multiple entry visa. At any time within these two years they may file for and initiate an Adjustment of Status (AOS) process with the USCIS (to become a Legal Permanent Resident). If so they will be deciding to Adjust Status within the US (just like a K-1 Visa Holder would) and will follow the normal AOS process which may take six months or even longer in some regions of the US. Alternately, if prior to filing for AOS the K-3 Visa Holder has their underlying I-130 petition approved by the USCIS they may instead (of filing for AOS) choose to return to their consulate abroad to interview and obtain an IR-1 / CR-1 Visa. In this case they would abandon their status as a K-3 Visa Holder and re-enter the US as a IR-1 / CR-1 Visa Holder. Entry into the US as a IR-1 / CR-1 Visa Holder results in the immediate conversion to becoming a Legal Permanent Resident (your green card is mailed out shortly after arrival in the US). You may view the K-3 current and historical processing time trends to get a better idea of the time the process may take at various stages. A married couple may also file solely for a IR-1 / CR-1 Visa instead of a K-3 Visa. See the next section for details. Pluses Once in the US, may apply for a social security card and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Employment may be freely obatined while the K-3 Visa and EAD are valid. NO Advance Parole (AP) (unlike a K-1 Visa Holder needs) is required for travel to and from the US while the K-3 Visa is Valid. K3 and K4 visa recipients are in valid status for 2 years and the visa is a multiple re-entry visa. K-3/K-4 visa holders may extend status by showing strong intent to eventually adjust status. The K-3 Visa Holder may apply for Adjustment of Status within the US BEFORE the underlying I-130 petition is approved. Generally allows applicant to enter the US faster then waiting for the I-130 to be approved and the IR-1 / CR-1 visa to be issued. Minuses will have to file Adjustment of Status after entry to the US or once their I-130 petition is approved (while their K-3 Visa is valid) return to their home country to be interviewed for an IR-1 / CR-1 Visa. May only adjust status based on marriage to original US Citizen petitioner. If the marriage fails before Adjustment of Status is complete, the K-3 Visa Holder will have to leave the US. K-3 and K-4 visa holders cannot change to another visa status and stay in the US if the marriage fails. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) must be obtained and there will be some waiting time before the K-3 Visa Holder can work. The exact amount of time for for an EAD to be approved is roughly 90 days. Spousal Visa (IR1 / CR1) In General A IR-1 / CR-1 Visa allows a Non-US Citizen (spouse) married to a US Citizen (see note at end) to legally enter the US, immediately becoming a Legal Permanent Resident upon entry. This option may take longer than obtaining a K-3 Visa. If a couple wishes to pursue this visa they must be legally married (or get married before starting the process). The couple may have previously been married either outside or within the US (the location does not matter as long as the marriage was officially recognized in the location in which it occurred). The process of obtaining a IR-1 / CR-1 Visa starts by the U.S. citizen filing a form "I-130: Petition for Alien Relative" with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). This form is also filed if a couple intends to obtain a K-3 Visa (see above section). The USCIS is responsible for processing the I-130 and if approved will forward the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC may request certain information be provided to them (initial case processing) prior to forwarding the completed package to the consulate serving the location of the Non-US Citizen Spouse. The visa processing at the US Consulate is similar to other family visas such as the K-1 and K-3 however the IR-1 / CR-1 Visa is an "Immigrant Visa", which means the Non-US Citizen Spouse will upon receiving their visa and entering the US immediately become a Legal Permanent Resident. Their "green card" will be mailed to them shortly after their arrival. As a Legal Permanent Resident they may work and travel to and from the US freely using their "green card" and status as a Legal Permanent Resident. You may view the IR-1 / CR-1 Visa current and historical processing time trends to get a better idea of the time the process may take at various stages. A married couple may also file for a K-3 Visa while waiting for their I-130 to be approved. This is done by filing an I-129F after the I-130 has been received by the USCIS. See the above section for details. Note: Technically, a US Legal Permanent Resident can apply for this visa for their Non-US Citizen Spouse however the waiting time is up to five years. They can file and wait for a visa number to become available (again up to five years) or wait until they themselves become a US Citizen -- whichever comes first will allow the visa process to move forward immediately. Pluses This is an "Immigrant" Visa and will as such allow the applicant to arrive in the US as a Legal Permanent Resident. After entry into the US, as a Permanent Resident they may seek employment without restrictions. No Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is required. After entry into the US, as a Permanent Resident they will not require special permission to leave the US for travel. No Advance Parole (AP) document is required. IR1/CR1 Visas often do not take much longer than the K-3 Visa option. The benefit of entering the US and immediately becoming a US Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) to many people is worth the additional small wait in time. Minuses Separation from family may be longer than if filing for a K-3 Visa (or K-1 visa for a non-married fiance). The applicant will most likely not be able to enter the US while their IR1-CR-1 Visa is being processed. Direct Consular Filing In General Direct Consular Filing (DCF) allows a US Consulate to process a IR-1 / CR-1 Visa (for a Non-US Citizen (spouse) married to a US Citizen) without having to wait for the USCIS in the US to process the required paperwork. Instead all paperwork is filed and processed AT THE CONSULATE. This is often a much faster way to get a IR-1 / CR-1 Visa however there is one requirement that must typically be met: To Qualify: U.S. consulates will typically only do this for US citizens who are Legal Residents of the country (typically for at least six months) in which the US Consulate sits (overseas). You will be required to show proof. This can be any country with a US Consulate (that the US Citizen is a resident) and need not be the country in which the Non-US Citizen Spouse lives. If the US Citizen qualifies to file using DCF, in most cases it is the quickest route to obtaining a IR-1 / CR-1 Visa. Be sure to contact your respective Consulate to determine if this option is possible. Do not assume it will be. Once the IR-1 / CR-1 Visa is approved their rights of the IR-1 / CR-1 Visa Holder are the same as if they had gone through the USCIS in the US initially. The Non-US Citizen Spouse will upon receiving their visa and entering the US immediately become a Legal Permanent Resident. Their "green card" will be mailed to them shortly after their arrival. As a Legal Permanent Resident they may work and travel to and from the US freely using their "green card" and status as a Legal Permanent Resident. Pluses Potentially (if qualified) the quickest route to admission to the US and to Legal Permanent Resident in the US, based on marriage. The process usually takes less than 3 months The IR-1 / CR-1 Visa Holder has the same rights as if they had gone through the USCIS in the US initially. Wait times for the visa interview can be one week to three months, which is still faster than other marriage based visa options! Minuses Consular policies can change over time, and one should always confirm with the consulate that they will do this process. US Citizen must show proof of US domicile/intent to reestablish domicile to qualify as a Sponsor for the I-864. Additional Notes on DCF Notes about DCF: To find out whether you can file a petition at a specific post abroad, you must ask that post. For information on how to contact the post, please visit their specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
  4. I’m a k1 holder and I’m in the US. I married my spouse within the 90 days. My lawyer filed concurrent i-485 with “ I-130 “ In addition to i-765 and i-131. I saw people posting that k1 holders don’t need to file i-130. My pd is March, 31. My status is “ Case was received and a receipt notice was sent “. I don’t prefer withdrawing the process and wait again. I didn’t even have my work permit. What do you think guys ? I called my lawyer and they said they know how things work and just relax!
  5. I'm almost done filing out forms for the K1 visa. I'm using the Example documents as references. But it seems to have ALL the documents not just when filing. So far: I have compiled: 129F (visa application) Letters of intent (both me and my fiance) Cover letter Credit card form Notification form. Screen shots + call logs passport photos birth certificate/ passport photos of us together plane tickets + package/letter labels. I see forms such as affidavit of support, but do I submit this with the rest of my items, or if they request it? Do I need to submit this, or only if I do not earn enough and have to claim property? Are there any other forms that need to be submitted with the initial visa application?
  6. rapidkyle

    RapidVisa

    Our founder, Ben Ives, used the GI bill to earn his computer science degree after his time in the U.S. Air Force. When he decided to marry his wife Jocelyn from the Philippines, he was shocked to discover that there was no online service that simplified the fiance visa process.After filing manually, the couple realized the complex and tedious process had vast room for improvement. So in 2006, Ben set out to write the first software for RapidVisa. After six months of 15 hour workdays, RapidVisa launched, and has been growing ever since. Today, RapidVisa has multiple offices and over 50 employees. RapidVisa has successfully helped well over 35,000 families from 183 countries reunite in the U.S. In 2016 and 2017, RapidVisa made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America. Our headquarters is in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. RapidVisa’s specialties include: K1 Fiancé Visa; CR1/IR1 Spousal Visa; Adjustment of Status Through Marriage; Removal of Conditions from Conditional Green Cards; IR2 Child Visa; IR5 Parent Visa; U.S. Naturalization; B1/B2 Tourist/Visitor Visa. We are multilingual! In addition to English, we speak Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, Tagalog, Waray, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Kinaray-a, Kapampangan and Ilokano!
  7. We were notified that our approved K1 petition/case was sent to the Embassy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by the NVC on Feb 14th and our case status changed to ready the 15th. I emailed the consulate to see how long it would take to receive the email with the instructions (packet 3) and they replied that it could take up to 3 weeks for them to receive the case and send that email. I did the DHL hack and I'm pretty sure our case has been received by the Rio Embassy, but we haven't received the email yet. My questions are: 1. How long does it usually take to get this email for everyone else now-a-days, and do you even receive it? 2. I've been told we will need it for the medical exam and the interview, is this true? 3. Also, we went ahead and scheduled my fiance's interview as per the advice on one of these forum topics, so if we don't receive the letter by the appointment date, will we have to cancel the appointment? Thank you in advance!
  8. Hello everyone! I am completely new to this. I tried reading many forums as I could in regards to this subject, but noticed it's not the most talked about subject on here. When trying to look on USCIS' website, I felt I couldn't enough information as to how to write the letter or even a specific mailing address to send to withdraw my application. The thing is my fiancé and I plan to simply get married in Japan and skip the long processing times so that I can petition for a spouse visa instead. We thought it would be better dealing with it together rather than dealing with long distance :) But now I'm concerned if it would affect him in any way since I previously petitioned for a K1 visa? And I'm not sure if I even sent it the correct address?? Which is also frustrating us :( I had P.O BOX 30111 Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-0111 as the address on the Notice of Action I last received by mail. Would this have been correct? It's been 2 weeks since I sent it (priority mail, usps) and our case on the website is still the same. Should I be worried? Any help will be greatly appreciated! :)
  9. Hi there, I was hoping someone could give me some advice on spousal visa options/requirements. My fiancé is Russian and I’m currently staying with him in Russia. My lease in the US is up at the end of June and I won’t be resigning, I also quit my job to stay in Russia for a few months with my S/O. Now we’re facing a few options on what to do next. We could go the online marriage route through Utah, we’re already together in person so it should be okay with filing for a spousal visa. We could go get married somewhere like Georgia since I need to leave the country for a day due to my visa. We could also apply for the fiancé visa and go get married in the US. I’m not sure if anyone has tried completing the spousal visa with an online marriage through Utah and if it was pretty smooth? I really don’t want to have to leave my S/O and go back to the US. It makes me nervous to leave Russia without at least being legitimately married, is there a way to file everything for the spousal visa online or was there a step that needed to be physically done through mailing? Also I was hoping for any advice on staying with an S/O outside of the country while waiting for either type of visa to be processed. Thanks so much for taking the time to read, we’re super lost and appreciate any advice :)
  10. Just got approval today for k1 fiancé visa. My fiancé is in UK and he is traveling to US at the end of the month. My concern is that in March 2020 he arrived at Chicago OHare airport on an ESTA from London UK and was denied entry. When they denied him entry they also said that he overstayed his previous visit even though he never stayed beyond the 90 days that the ESTA allows. I think it’s just because his travel plans changed from the original return date and he didn’t realize that he had to notify anyone. They thought we were going to try to get married but I was technically in the middle of a divorce at the time so I couldn’t legally get married. They still denied him entry and kept him overnight then he had to pay for his flight home the next day. My question is will this denial come up when he arrives at Chicago O’Hare again this month with his k1 visa and sealed paperwork in hand?
  11. So I am active duty military, and was wondering how to get my wife and daughter back to the US. We got married back in 2015 on a 90 Fiancé Visa and after that we were suppose to apply for a Green Card but money was tight and we never did. So in 2017 we had a daughter who is a legally an American Citizen. But in 2018 she left to go back to the UK with our daughter. I was told that because she left the country without a green card she would not be able to enter the US for a minimum of 10 years. We are still married and I’m still active duty, who or what do I need to do in order to see my daughter and wife again?
  12. Hello now, I’m in panicking and I’m freaking out my boyfriend send our K-1 document by Fedex. well, I requested him to send USPS and I taught where to file when we send it by USPS. BUT!!! He sent it by FedEx to the address of usps!!! im so upset, and I’m so worry what’s happen in this situation! should we call USCIS or they will reject our documents??
  13. Each month, VisaJourney dives into the official US State Department data and captures the latest Family & US visa approval trends for K1, CR1, IR1 and IR5 visas. This page is updated monthly. K1 Visa processing is starting to pick up. K1's are3 being sent to Mexico City. IR1 Visa processing is ramping up. There is likely a significant backlog that will take 8-12 months to clear given the slow down last year. It appears IR1 processing is taking priority over K1s at the moment. CR1 Visa processing (couples married less than 2 years) is following the same trend as IR-1 Visas. What do you think of the data (below)? Do you think the US consulate in Ciudad Juarez is artificially slowing don K1 Visa processing to prioritize other work or for other reasons?
  14. Hello! I have a lawyer, but she's taking forever on our I134 Affidavit of Support form for our K1. My fiance's interview is in London next week, so we need it asap. Is it ok if I just fill it out and email to him (with my supporting financial evidence)? Or legally does my lawyer have to do it? I keep reaching out and no response still. The I134 is all that's left that we need. Thanks!
  15. If you are a K-1, K-2, K-3 or K-4 visa holder the I-693 instructions state that you are not required to have another medical examination as long as your Form I-485 is filed within one year of your overseas medical examination. Regardless of if you are exempt from a medical exam, you are still required to complete certain portions of the I-693 and have a Civil Surgeon certify the form (and seal it in an evelope). Specifically, you will complete Part 1 (Information about you) of the I-693 and provide both the form and your DS-3025 (if you have it, proving your vaccination history) and any proof of required vaccinations that were completed prior to entering the US. If you do not have a copy of your DS-3025 you will need to provide sufficient evidence of your vaccination history to the Civil Surgeon (talk to the civil surgeon's office to discuss what vaccination records they accept as proof). If you do not have proof of your vaccination history the Civil Surgeon may insist on re-administering all the required vaccinations prior to completing the I-693. Once the Civil Surgeon has has verified that all required vaccinations have been performed, they will complete form I-693 Part 2 (the vaccination section) and Part 5 (the Civil Surgeon's Certification). They will then seal the form in an envelope and return it to you. Form I-944 has quite a bit of supporting documents that go with it depending on your situation, be sure to read the instructions for this form carefully. Many people have gotten a RFE for this form so be sure to pay CLOSE attention when filing it out. When in doubt ask questions on the forums. When filing by mail, "priority mail with delivery confirmation" is the preferred method. Always keep a copy of what you have filed. IF your forms include an I-485 AND an I-485A, forget the "A" one...it is used for other types of applications for adjustment, such as assylum...you ONLY need to file the regular I-485 Form, not the A supplement. BE SURE TO USE CODE (C)(9) FOR A 1-YEAR EAD CARD (when filing concurrently with I-485)!!! How to get the forms: You can use forms downloaded from the USCIS website if they are printed on good quality paper with a good printer quality. You can also download free fillable forms on this site. Other things you will need: passport-style pictures (see specification), copy of the passport, copy of the k-1 visa (and NOA2), Electronic I-94 Copy (or for older entries a front/backside copy of the non US Citizen Spouses valid paper I-94), copy of the fiance's birth and divorce certificates with translation, PLUS the supporting documentation for the I-864 form: letter from employer confirming employment, the last 3 years of tax returns, plus any documentation of your financial resources if you choose to include this. The rule is, if your income is not 125% of the poverty level for your family, you will need additional financial documentation. HOWEVER, if you read the form instructions carefully, it states that while they do NOT require additional financial information IF you have at least 125% of the poverty level, it says the USCIS can still ask for that information if they want... so in order to potentially avoid future questions, many people include financial information, including bank letter, letter from stockbroker, letter regarding mortgages, copy of deeds to a property, and any other financial assets... etc. It is far better to include too much information rather than not enough. How long will I have to wait for an EAD, advance parole, and adjustment of status: You can check time here. Where to file the forms: You will file your petition at the Chicago Lockbox. See this page for the Chicago Lockbox address (PO Box). You will receive a receipt (Notice of Action) in the mail for your application once they receive and process it.
  16. I am filling out the I 134 affidavit of support to prepare my fiancee for her interview at the embassy in her country and it's unclear to me what person needs to complete the form. Would it be me (the petitioner), or is it the person who I want to sponsor her (if it's a different person from me)?
  17. Hello everyone! I have a very urgent question. Earlier in 2020 just before the pandemic, the National Visa Center informed me that they forwarded my I-129F petition to the US Embassy in Madrid. The US Embassy contacted my fiancé about setting up and interview, doctor's appointment, etc. However then the pandemic happened and the US Embassy in Madrid was shut down. My fiancé emailed the Embassy about keeping our application open because we knew that we had a 1 year period to complete the interview process. The Embassy responded by saying they would keep the application open. However, now when I check the visa status of our case, the CEAC says the application was terminated but that it is possible to get the case reinstated. Does anyone have any experience with this? Endless appreciation for any help! Thank you very much!
  18. So December 10th we received our NOA2. I have emailed NVC a few times and received our case # and invoice #. My fiancé has filled out the ds-160. Attempting to login to the ceas website it shows the same thing over & over that we need to fill out the ds-160. Is the only thing we can do is to wait for our “welcome letter” in order to have a account to submit forms and pay the fees?
  19. Disclaimer: The flowchart below is designed to illustrate a typical K-1 Visa application process and should be used for reference only. This flowchart can not take in to consideration a great number of variables and/or events that may alter this flowchart for a particular case such as a Request for Evidence (RFE). Please read the Terms and Conditions for more information. Please begin by reading the Step-by-Step Guide to the K-1 process (for the US Citizen). You should also refer to the K-FAQ's for more information. The timeline below will help you visualize the entire process. Please note that the details of the process are not included below, they can be found in the links mentioned previously. BEGIN: Timeline (approx) Step Information Varies 1. U.S. Petitioner gathers various documents U.S. Petitioner gathers various documents (birth certificate etc) to send with I-129F * Start ASAP N/A 2. I-129f Package sent U.S. Petitioner sends compiled I-129F package to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox which will forward the package for processing. * Triple check everything. Double check all forms with examples available online. Send postage with an return receipt requiring signature when it is delivered (not necessary but highly advisable for peace of mind). Make a complete copy of the entire package. 2-3 Weeks 3. 1st Notice of Action (NOA) U.S. Petitioner Receives first Notice of Action (NOA) acknowledging K-1 petition has been opened *Typical wait time is 2-3 weeks after the Service Center receives the I-129F. See Processing Times 4. 2nd Notice of Action (NOA) U.S. Petitioner Receives second Notice of Action (NOA) acknowledging K-1 petition has been approved * Start gathering documents needed by beneficiary (Fiance(e)) - See K-1 Guide. *Beneficiary can research and prepare forms required by embassy. 2 Weeks 5. Case Forwarded by your Service Center to the National Visa Center (NVC) Case Forwarded by your Service Center to the National Visa Center *Two weeks after you receive the NOA2 you can contact the NVC to see if they have received your approved I-129F. You can contact them at 603 334-0700. Their homepage is here. Welcome to the US Department of State! Things move much faster now :). 1-4 Weeks 6. Case Forwarded by NVC to U.S. Embassy in your fiance(e)'s country Case Forwarded to U.S. Embassy as specified in the I-129F. *NVC uses DHL to send the package, which typically delivers a package worldwide within 3-5 business days. 1 week 7. Case received by Embassy from NVC Embassy receives package and processes it. They will then prepare a letter to be sent to the foreign fiance(e). *5-7 business days after the NVC sends the package to the embassy, you can begin contacting the embassy to see if they have received it. 1 week 8. Forms and Checklist sent to Beneficiary Forms and Checklist sent to foreign Beneficiary (Fiance/e). *This will be sent out within a week (typically less) from when the embassy processes the received petition. This package will include a checklist of items and paperwork that must be collected. Some will be sent back asap, and others will be sent back later or brought to the interview. Varies 9. Foreign Beneficiary compiles required forms Beneficiary fills in Forms and assembles various documents *The downloads section for K-1 Visa's has a list of some forms the fiance(e) will need. You can practice with these forms. N/A 10. Completed Forms sent to Consulate Beneficiary sends completed Forms to U.S. Embassy N/A 11. Fiance(e) must attend medical interview prior to interview Attend medical appointment. *Some embassies require the medical the same day as the interview. Most require the interview to be done ahead of time and have the results sent to the embassy directly from the doctor. *This may occur after an interview date is given. 1 week to issue date 12. U.S. Embassy issues Beneficiary with Interview date U.S. Embassy issues Beneficiary with Interview date *This may occur before your have your medical. You will need to get the medical done before the interview as instructed by the embassy. 1 Month to interview 13. Beneficiary has Interview at U.S. Embassy Beneficiary has interview at U.S. Embassy for K-1 visa. All being well case is approved. *K-1 visa will be issued either the same day or within the next week depending on the embassy with some exceptions. Timeline (approx) Step Information N/A 14. Beneficiary travels to and enters the U.S. Beneficiary travels from their country to be with the U.S. Petitioner (Fiance(e)) in the US. *Must enter the US within (typically) 6 months of the K-1 being issued. 5-20 minutes 15. Point of Entry (POE) in U.S. Beneficiary arrives at Point of Entry (POE) in U.S. and shows K-1 to the immigration officer. 1 hour (early morning) 16. Apply for Social Security Number Apply for Social Security Number (SSN) *See the SSN step-by-step guide for more info. This will allow you to open a bank account and do other things (many states require this for a drivers licence, etc). 1 hour 17. Apply for marriage certificate Apply for marriage certificate. Must marry within 90 days of entering the U.S. on a K-1 visa. VARIES! 18. Get married Get married. and give each other a pat on the back. You've both earned it! 1 hour (early morning) 19. Change name on SSN Go back to the SSA office and bring your SSN Card and marriage certificate. Change your name. Varies! 20. Complete I-693 Complete I-693 per the K1/K3 AOS Guide. This is required so that your vaccinations can be documented properly on the I-693 as part of your completed AOS package. You can complete this step at any time after entering the US. N/A (File asap once you marry) 21. Apply for Adjustment of Status (AOS), EAD, AP Apply for Adjustment of Status (AOS) to receive a "green card" and become a Legal Permanent Resident. You should file as soon as possible. If you have not filed for AOS and your K-1 expires, you will be considered out-of-status until you file. Make all attempts to file before you become out-of-status. You may also file for your EAD and AP at this time. *EAD allows your to work (will need to reapply every year until your AOS (i.e. "Green Card") application is approved). AP allows you to leave the country on a vacation / trip while your AOS application is being processed. Please read this regarding when to file for AOS and not becoming out-of-status. See Processing Times 22. Receive EAD / AP Receive your EAD and AP via US Mail. You will have a biometrics appointment prior to being issued the EAD. See Processing Times 23. Interview for AOS (I-485 approval) Interview appointment for AOS. When approved you will receive an I-551 stamp in your passport indicating you have been approved for AOS and will also receive your green card in the mail later. *If your interview (and specifically the approval) occurs within 2 years of your marriage you will be granted a conditional permanent residency (2 year validity). If this happens you will have to apply to lift conditions 90 days prior to your 2 year green card expiring. If you are 'adjusted' greater than 2 years after you were married you should receive a normal 10 year green card.
  20. Hi, I really need help. My partner and I have consulted with 2 lawyers already, but they are saying different things. Just a background story, I have worked in the US on my tourist visa in the past and a month ago I got detained at LAX airport for 4 days. I was honest with them that I have worked in the past and that I have a boyfriend in the US for 3 years. They gave me a choice of withdrawing my visa (not banned) for me to be able to apply a visa again.. Although, my worry is not being able to apply again even though they said I can. I want to know the chances of us getting approved for Fiance or Spouse visa in case we apply, the timeline, and what kind of waiver do we exactly need and how long does that take as well. We have been doing our research, but there are a lot of waivers and I'm not sure which one is the best to use if ever we might need one. We've been apart for more than a year and the clock is ticking for Fiance Visa 2-year window. I really want to be together with my partner already and I want to believe that we can be together again. It will also be helpful if there are lawyers out there who are experienced with this case. Thank you for your help!
  21. Hi, I really need help. My partner and I have consulted with 2 lawyers already, but they are saying different things. Just a background story, I have worked in the US on my tourist visa in the past and a month ago I got detained at LAX airport for 4 days. I was honest with them that I have worked in the past and that I have a boyfriend in the US for 3 years. They gave me a choice of withdrawing my visa (not banned) for me to be able to apply a visa again.. Although, my worry is not being able to apply again even though they said I can. I want to know the chances of us getting approved for Fiance or Spouse visa in case we apply, the timeline, and what kind of waiver do we exactly need and how long does that take as well. We have been doing our research, but there are a lot of waivers and I'm not sure which one is the best to use if ever we might need one. We've been apart for more than a year and the clock is ticking for Fiance Visa 2-year window. I really want to be together with my partner already and I want to believe that we can be together again. It will also be helpful if there are lawyers out there who are experienced with this case. Thank you for your help!
  22. Hi Friends! Please, if anyone can help me and my fiance to fill I-134 form. Thank you so much I would really appreciate it. For ''in care of name'' who should be named in it Supporter ( petitioner) or supported ( immigrant )
  23. My boyfriend came to visit me from Argentina and we’ve decided to get married, what is the best way to go about this? I am a little confused about whether or not it’s necessary to get a K-1 before or if we can just get married and then do an adjustment of status
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